All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Artificial intelligence management system), New Delhi has issued a detailed set of social media guidelines for students, residents, employees and affiliated institutions, setting out what can and cannot be posted online while representing the institution.The guidelines are issued through an office memorandum and will take effect immediately upon approval by the competent authority. They cover everything from the use of the AIIMS name and logo to patient confidentiality, academic integrity, official social media accounts and disciplinary action for violations.The move comes as educational institutions increasingly rely on social media to communicate and face concerns about privacy, misinformation and unauthorized use of institutional identities.
Why AIIMS launches this guide
AIIMS said social media platforms are useful for outreach, engagement and communication, but warned that unauthorized institutional branding or representation could create legal issues and harm the institution’s reputation.The memo states, “Social media platforms are powerful tools for outreach, engagement and communication. However, inappropriate and unauthorized use of an institution’s brand or representation can result in reputational damage and legal disputes.”This rule applies not only to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, but also to residents, faculty, researchers, administrators, student associations, departments, and even third-party collaborators with institutional admissions.
AIIMS name and logo may not be used without approval
One of the biggest changes is that students, employees and affiliated institutions will not be allowed to use the name, logo, emblem or official branding of AIIMS, New Delhi without the prior written approval of the relevant authorities.As per the guidelines, the restriction covers event posters, banners, social media posts, Instagram, Facebook and X accounts, as well as promotional videos, videos and blogs that appear to represent AIIMS officials.The memo added that any permitted use of the institute’s brand must comply with official brand standards.
Patient information cannot be shared
The guidance places patient confidentiality at the heart of the policy.Students and staff have been instructed not to post, discuss or share patient information, photos or case details on social media, even if the patient’s identity is not revealed.AIIMS said this is mandatory under the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.The document also prohibits the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material, the posting of obscene or defamatory content, hate speech, and material promoting harassment, bullying or harassment.
Sharing of exam materials is prohibited
The institute also warned students against committing academic misconduct on social media.The guidelines prohibit plagiarism and specifically prohibit users from sharing test questions, answers, or other confidential academic materials.The move comes as several educational institutions tighten rules on the digital circulation of exam-related content.
Official Social Media Account Rules
AIIMS has also developed a governance framework for official social media accounts managed by student groups or staff.Such accounts must be registered with the relevant authorities. The administrator must provide the institutional email ID and contact details, while a media coordinator must be designated for content approval.The guidelines further state that accounts should clearly indicate whether content is student-generated or department-generated and should not reveal confidential or internal information.Political, religious, and defamatory content are also prohibited. Sponsored content or partnerships with external brands require special authorization.
Violations may result in disciplinary action
The memorandum stated that misuse of AIIMS status may have legal consequences.Internal disciplinary action may include written warnings, suspension of association or access rights, revocation of recognition of the student body, and refusal to participate in institutional activities.AIIMS also reserves the right to monitor social media for compliance.According to the memo, “If compliance is not followed, we will issue a takedown notice. Content must be removed within 12 hours of notification.”
